Grantchester series 10: What year is penultimate ever season of Robson Green detective drama set in?

Enjoy it while you can, it's ending in 2027!
Helen Fear

Grantchester series 10 arrived on our screens in January 2026, but it was a bittersweet moment for fans as it’s the penultimate ever series of the popular detective series.

Lead actor Robson Green had previously made it very clear that he would have been happy to carry on playing DI Geordie Keating for the foreseeable future – despite the ever-changing cycle of vicars (three and counting). But sadly, ITV announced the series would be ending in 2027 with series 11.

So what do we know about series 10 of Grantchester? What year is it set in, what’s the plot, cast, and start date?

***Warning: mild spoilers from Grantchester series 9 ahead***

Actor Tom Brittney won’t be back, having left in Grantchester series 9 (Credit: Kudos/Masterpiece/ITV)

Is there a Grantchester season 10?

Grantchester has returned for a series 10, with actors Robson Green and Rishi Nair back as DI Geordie Keating and Reverend Alphy Kottaram.

In 2024, Masterpiece executive producer Susanne Simpson said: “I couldn’t be happier to recommission Grantchester for a 10th season.”

She added: “This is hands down one of our most popular series. And I know the fans will be thrilled to see it continue with the outstanding Robson Green and Rishi Nair back for more crime solving.”

Start date for series 10 of Grantchester

Season 10 of Grantchester commenced filming in July 2025, and began airing in January 2026.

It returned to ITV on Wednesday, January 07, 2026, and airs every Wednesday and Thursday throughout January 2026.
Former soap star Rishi Nair returned as Reverend Alphy Kotteram in Grantchester series 10 (Credit: Kudos/Masterpiece/ITV)

What happened in series 9?

In the previous series of the detective drama set and filmed in Grantchester, Geordie said a sad farewell to his pal and sidekick, the Reverend Will Davenport.

The popular Rev left the village – and a heartbroken Geordie behind – after taking on a new role in Newcastle. Wanting to make a real difference, he bade an emotional farewell to his friends after several years.

His wife Bonnie, played by Charlotte Ritchie, also left Grantchester, with their baby James George.

Their last scenes were in episode 2 of Grantchester series 9. In episode 3, Rishi Nair’s Alphy Kotteram made QUITE the entrance as the new vicar.

The actor said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Grantchester. The welcome and support I’ve received from everyone has been overwhelming. The success of the show and the reason we are here for a ninth season is a testament to all the people that have previously worked on it.”

He added: “I’m really excited to get started. And cannot wait for the Grantchester fans to meet Alphy and to see all that’s in store for him.”

Who’s in the cast of series 10?

The Game actor Robson Green will return as DI Geordie Keating in the cast of Grantchester series 10. Former Hollyoaks star Rishi Nair will also be back as “witty” and “charismatic” Reverend Alphy Kottaram.

The other favourites who have returned include Al Weaver as Leonard Finch, Tessa Peake-Jones as Mrs Chapman, Kacey Ainsworth as Cathy Keating, and Nick Brimble as Jack Chapman.

Oliver Dimsdale made a comeback as Daniel Marlowe, as did Bradley Hall as Larry Peters, and Melissa Johns as Miss Scott.

Of course, Tom Brittany and Charlotte Ritchie will not appear in series 10, having quit playing Will and Bonnie Davenport in series 9.

The guest cast of series 10 includes actors such as Maggie O’Neill, Neil Stuke, and Paul Copley.

Robson Green has played DI Geordie Keating ever since 2014 (Credit: Kudos/Masterpiece/ITV)

What year is Grantchester series 10 set?

Series 10 of Grantchester is set in the ‘Swinging 60s’. The milestone season “explores the transformative tides of the early ’60s”.

Of course, fans of the period drama will know that the very first series was set in the 1950s. Series 9 was set in 1961, with Geordie Keating navigating the era’s cultural shifts and social changes. 

A statement from Masterpiece, who air the series in the US, said: “We rejoin our extended Grantchester family in 1962, encountering everything from the dawn of computers to the novelty of pockets in women’s clothes. Murder takes centre stage of course, and Geordie taps into Alphy’s intuition to probe homicides on church grounds, in a foundling home, within the police station itself, and more.

“Meanwhile, count on deeply moving, gratifying storylines for each character, exploring themes of parents and children, identity, and living one’s values. And yes, Larry and Miss Scott are now full-on lovebirds at work! How does their romance affect the department? What aspect of fatherhood troubles Geordie? When will Alphy’s path to love finally clear? How do Mrs. C. and Cathy become partners in crime? And what soul-stirring journey is Leonard on? Only one way to know – watch and see!

Where can I watch Grantchester?

Series 1 to 9 of Grantchester are all currently available to watch on ITVX, with series 10 dropping weekly across January 2026.

The series has been running ever since 2014.

Is Robson Green leaving Grantchester?

Robson Green has played DI Geordie Keating since series 1 in 2014. He previously spoke about his role in future series of Grantchester, and made it clear he had no plans to leave.

When asked if he ever got tempted to leave the show, like co-stars James Norton and Tom Brittney, Robson made it clear he was happy to stay.

Robson, who is also executive producer of Grantchester, explained: “I never get itchy feet because I’m at a stage in my life where I want to work with people who make me genuinely happy, in front of the lens and behind it.

“I’m not chasing awards, I’m not chasing fame. I’m just being present in a very enjoyable and healthy environment, and that’s what Grantchester is. It’s one of the nicest jobs I have ever done in my career.”

In an interview with TVGuide.co.uk, he added: “I’m very blessed that I can do other stuff. I do documentaries and I do other dramas. Why would I want to leave? I never take one second of Grantchester for granted.”

However, sadly ITV decided the series would end after series 11.

Read more: Grantchester series 9: Why Tom Brittney left, and who is Rishi Nair?

Grantchester series 10 starts on Wednesday, January 07, 2026 on ITV1.